APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Council Meeting of July 13, 2010 . Under the “alcohol use at city park”, amend the minutes to reflect that Councilmember Zehm voted no. Councilmember Snook MOVED to adopt the minutes as amended of the Regular Council Meeting of July 13, 2010. Councilmember Marcus seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Superintendent Griffin reported:

The new pool ladder has been installed and we have heard positive comments.

The county completed Fairview Avenue work.

DOH was here last week and did a sanitary inspection of our well heads and both reservoirs look good with just a minimal amount of work to do.

Road oiling for the year is complete.

Our new 2004 truck is now in service.

The wall near the ramp entering the flathouse has failed and needs to be repaired ASAP. We got a bid from Woltering Construction for $3,350 + tax. The Palouse Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to match 50% up to $2,000. We are only required to get one bid for this work. Building Inspector Gladwill said their proposal is an excellent fix for this situation. Price includes buttress wall. Woltering Construction will send ½ the bill directly to the Chamber. The ramp is not drivable anymore; it’s not safe. Floor joist work will be needed as well; PW will have to do some carpentry work. Councilmember Snook MOVED , second by Councilmember Schorzman authorizing Dwayne to proceed with Woltering Construction for $3,350 + tax, with Chamber paying 50% match. Motion carried unanimously.

POLICE REPORT : Chief Neumann reported:

Bluegrass Festival this weekend; same setup as last year.

The park vandalism issues seem to have resolved themselves.

The PD received a notice on the DOJ Bureau Assistance grant for the purchase of the motorcycle stating that the audit is complete and Palouse is in compliance with the grant.

Councilmember Zehm stated that he spoke with the county prosecutor who stated that the prosecutor did not authorize a letter of trespass regarding the park vandalism as Chief Neumann reported in the June 22, 2010, minutes.

Councilmember Zehm questioned the length of time it took the PD to give Dave Mayhan an evidence receipt for his BB gun; Chief said it was a simple mistake.

Councilmember Zehm questioned the Mayor’s responses to his concerns regarding the PD.

BUILDING INSPECTOR REPORT:
BI Gladwill got a $2,500 grant from WABO to attend the Final Action Hearing for the International Code Council in Dallas representing Palouse on the national level for the building codes. He spent 4 days in session voting. It’s good for small jurisdictions to go over there and vote because it keeps it real. Industry tries to get their products required by code to get their product on the market. Dan tries to vote that stuff down unless it’s a mandatory life/health/safety issue.

Palouse has been keeping Dan busy the last few weeks; just did a final inspection on a new build.

Dan offered, if necessary, to take a budget cut to include his pay for the greater good of the city since building income has decreased in the past few years. Councilmember Milano will speak to Clerk-Treasurer Beeson about his generous offer.

OLD BUSINESS
Ordinance No. 870: An ordinance adopting the property tax increase for collection in 2011 . As discussed at the public hearing last council, Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety. Mayor asked Deputy Clerk Ann to clarify for the minutes the definition of banked capacity. The dollar amount increase over the actual levy amount for the previous year shall be $1,069 which is an increase of 1%, the maximum allowable by law. The levy will also increase by $7,350 which is the city’s banked capacity that has built up from previous years but has not yet been levied to the taxpayer. If we don’t actually collect the highest lawful levy amount that we are due, that levy capacity is then banked. Councilmember Milano MOVED , seconded by Councilmember Snook to adopt Ordinance No. 870. Motion carried unanimously.

Ordinance No. 871: Adopting the property tax increase for EMS for collection in 2011 . Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety. The increase of 1% over last year’s levy is $169. The EMS needs to stay current with their supplies so they can offer the best services possible. Supplies and ongoing trainings are expensive. Bev Pearce stated that the donations and this $.365 per $1,000 of assessed value is what keeps EMS going. The EMS levy is a voter-approved levy but state law allows them to be in effect for 5 or 6 years. Councilmember Milano MOVED, second by Councilmember Marcus to adopt Ordinance No. 871. Motion carried unanimously.

Resolution No. 2010-15: an ordinance setting a one-year excess property tax levy which will be used for operation and maintenance of the swimming pool. Mayor read aloud the resolution in its entirety. The resolution proposes to impose an excess property tax levy upon all taxable property within the city in the amount of $28,000 an estimated $0.610 per $1,000 of assessed value in the year 2010 for collection in 2011. Roughly $14,000 has to come out of the general fund to cover the total operation and maintenance of the swimming pool expenses over the levy amount. Councilmember Milano projects we’ll see a minimum wage increase so there will be added salary expenses next year. Councilmember Snook would like to open 2 weeks later again next year like we did this year because that saved approximately $4,000. By opening two weeks later there is no loss of revenue in swim lessons or pool parties, etc. Councilmember Zehm spoke against an increase for at least another year. The city will need a 60% voter approval on this levy. If the levy doesn’t pass, we are essentially unfunded for pool operations next year so pool may not open. Councilmember Zehm stated if the levy fails in November, there could be another vote in the spring. Councilmember Milano MOVED , second by Councilmember Snook to adopt Resolution No. 2010-15. Councilmember Zehm voted no. Motion carried.

Resolution No. 2010-14: ordinance setting a one year excess property tax levy to be used for street improvements and street oiling . Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety. For the purpose of funding street improvements and street oiling, the city proposes imposing an excess property tax levy upon all taxable property within the city in the amount of $40,000, an estimated $0.871 per $1,000 of assessed value in the year 2010 for collection in 2011. This fund needs to be charged regularly. As discussed at last meeting, $40,000 for streets doesn’t go very far. Our project list is fairly long for street improvements. Councilmember Milano stated city staff does a great job working with the money they have. Councilmember Milano MOVED , seconded by Councilmember Wekenman to adopt Resolution No. 2010-14. Motion carried unanimously.

Ordinance No. 873: Ordinance amending ordinances No. 865, 866, 868, & 869, amending certain funds within the 2010 annual budget. Mayor read aloud the ordinance in its entirety. All our Brownfield project funding came out of CDBG so the EPA grant of $48,000 will be added to CDBG as those funds will also be used for the Brownfield project as well. Councilmember Milano MOVED, seconded by Councilmember Snook to adopt Ordinance No. 873. Motion carried unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS/REQUESTS:

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Randy Zehm, chair : No report. Councilmember Zehm asked about the policy for getting items on the agenda. Councilmember Milano stated he believes it is state law that the Mayor, as chair, is responsible for the agenda.

JFB REPORT : Jeff Snook reported the budget is looking okay. The FD had one call in June, 15 YTD. The FD had an off-road training with trucks in fields, etc. The FD is still working on turn-outs grant. Ran into a need for 5 new personal radios which cost about $390 each; Mike is going to put in for a grant to replace all those next year but we need a stopgap in the meantime to get us through. There were three EMS calls in June, 31 YTD. They trained with LifeFlight. EMS provided pool training and had all praise for the lifeguards and manager.

Water & Sewer-Roger Marcus, Chair : We signed an agreement for free service with RCAC. The rates for water and sewer services are an immediate concern. Our rates are too low. It’s premature to say at this time what we should be charging, but it is something we need to be thinking about. It will be unpopular so just be aware. We will be getting a rate study from RCAC on where we are and where we should be with our water rates. Concerning sewer rates, Joyce showed Councilmember Marcus that within the next couple years we’re operating in the red if these rates continue. We’re not interested in raising rates to make money; it’s just to stay afloat.

It’s very imperative that we develop a water plan. We don’t have $35,000-50,000 to engineer a plan; we need to find a way to come up with a more economical way to get a plan. Doug Willcox has been very helpful with this and he has a lot of information and a blueprint to use.

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair : Joyce is working on 2nd Q financial reports. We’re looking at building improvements at the PD to see if those would yield long term utility savings. Councilmember Milano will meet will Supt. Griffin about the PW budget. Supt. Griffin has requested additional summer help; would like someone for a couple weeks for help with 3 or 4 projects. They are behind and don’t know when they’re going to get caught up. It will cost approximately $3,000 to hire a temporary helper. We know DG will use the city’s money with discretion. Councilmember Milano MOVED to allow Dwayne to hire temporary help at his discretion at his terms for up to 4 weeks with Joyce’s approval. Seconded by Councilmember Schorzman. Motion carried unanimously.

MAYOR’S REPORT : MFA is getting the core soil sample test results back from the Brownfields site and they are looking pretty good. They want to come in this week and have their subcontractor punch a few holes on the city right of way to the east of the property to see if there is any kind of groundwater flow right there. They can use part of the $48,000 EPA grant which has to be spent by this Saturday.

The Planning Commission is still looking for members.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Zehm seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN: Councilmember Schorzman MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Milano seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 9:08 PM.

PUBLIC HEARING for Six Year Street Plan: Councilmember Floyd reviewed aloud the plan. The idea is to maintain in good condition our roads and to fix roads that need help both through our own Street Levy revenue and funding from other agencies. This year, Fairview will be widened back to the original width and Union Street will be reconstructed with no utility work. Some of the streets on the plan are dream plans, but they have to be on the list before we can apply for outside funding. We had an inquiry why there weren’t any Breeding’s Addition streets on the plan. Public is encouraged to speak with Councilmember Floyd about their ideas for street improvements.

Joyce attended a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) workshop last month and learned of some grant opportunities. The city will be applying for pavement preservation funding which could be funded at 100% with no match requirement. The levy amount of $40,000 voted in by the city could be used for a different that year or reserved to the next year, allowing a bigger project. Supt. Griffin explained that just to pave two blocks (300’) of Alder Street last year cost $27,000 for paving plus gravel. TIB funding comes from the fuel tax and they have a small city assistance program that is wonderful for small cities like Palouse. Mayor Echanove asked for public comment, hearing none he closed the Public Hearing for Six Year Street Plan at 7:17 PM.

PUBLIC HEARING for 2011 Revenue Sources : Mayor Echanove opened the public hearing at 7:17. Councilmember Milano reported that the city, along with the county and state, are running at a deficit. We will have to dip into reserves this year and possibly a $20,000 deficit next year. Our city assistance from the state is estimated to come in at about $12,000 this year; at one time it was $80,000. We are proposing for the general levy the maximum increase of 1%, which is estimated 2.461/$1,000 assessed value, plus banked capacity of $7,350. We are proposing the same 1% maximum increase for the General EMS levy which is $0.365 per $1,000 assessed value.

Voter Approved Levies.
Special Street Levy has been the same since 2008. We propose to leave that levy alone for now.
Special Pool Maintenance & Operation Levy. Current levy amount is $26,000 where it has been since 2003. We should consider an increase to help offset the approximate $14,000 that the pool spends over revenues. If, however, the pool levy is voted down, the pool could essentially be closed for a year which would be regrettable. We need a 60% pass for a special levy. Griffin reported the decision to open 2 weeks later was good since only 3 of those days could’ve been swim weather, saving the city about $4,000 in payroll costs over last June. Not to mention the overhead savings like chlorine and electricity. Mayor Echanove asked for public comment, hearing none he Closed Public Hearing for 2011 Revenue Sources at 7:27 PM.

Councilmember Wekenman doesn’t think $2,000 is enough of an increase but he doesn’t want to price ourselves out of the pool; it’s an essential service to many. Councilmember Milano MOVED to increase our 2011 pool operation levy from $26,000 to $28,000. Councilmember Snook seconded. Motion carried with one nay vote from Councilmember Zehm. Councilmember Milano MOVED to hold our 2011 special street levy at $40,000. Councilmember Wekenman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Banked Capacity is at $7,350 and 1% increase is the maximum allowed by law. Councilmember Milano MOVED to adopt our general levy increase of 1% and levy the banked capacity of $7,350. Councilmember Snook seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Councilmember Zehm asked to amend the minutes as follows. Under his committee report add the following: “Councilmember Zehm requested that the radar trailer have the correct speed posted.”
Councilmember Milano MOVED to adopt the amended minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 22, 2010. Councilmember Zehm seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

OPEN FORUM:
Wyatt Mitchell: Eagle Scout Project proposal . For his project, Wyatt would like to build a fire pit at the new RV Park. It would benefit the community and guests of the park. Wyatt presented a map and explained what products he would use and why. Down the road benches could be added. Councilmember Milano MOVED to fund the Eagle Scout project up to $50 for his fire pit project. Councilmember Zehm seconded. Councilmember Milano amended his motion to include user guidelines prior to installation. Councilmember Zehm amended his second and the motion carried unanimously.

Mo Hendrickson: Alcohol use at City Park . They are having a wedding at the city park next month and they would like to serve wine and beer at their hosted reception following. They are using the gazebo and shelter by it. They will tastefully rope it off for their approximately 75 guests. Wedding starts at 5:30 and out of the park by 10:00. There will not be an excessive amount of alcohol. The liquor store told them they had to have city permission in order to get a permit from the liquor control board since it is on city property. The city’s attorney said if it follows our policy then we could permit it and then it would fall into the liquor board’s jurisdiction. The city does not have its own policy; we’ve always just used state law. We do allow the beer garden at the Bluegrass Festival with Liquor Board approval. The Parks Committee and the Policy Committee need to meet to come up with a city policy. In the mean time, Councilmember Snook MOVED to allow them to have alcohol at their wedding reception at the park as Mo outlined above. Councilmember Floyd seconded. Councilmember Zehm said they need to work with the P.D. and P.W. Motion carried unanimously.

Pete Hertz attended a Dept. of Commerce meeting on making our town a destination.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: DG reported the parks and pool have been very busy. The pool donation box is working really well. They have been mostly working on maintenance issues at the sewer plant, pool, etc.

Union Street Reconstruction bids : The bid specs were sent out for tight blade, compact, & install two lifts of 773 square yards of asphalt (300’ of street). Dwayne opened and read aloud the two bids received. Motley & Motley bid $23,963.00. Poe Asphalt bid $24,349.50. One of the reasons these bids are high is because we’re asking for two lifts of asphalt because of the heavy traffic and equipment on Union Street from Cove Road to the county shop. Supt. Griffin would be happy with either contractor. Councilmember Snook MOVED to authorize Supt. Griffin to accept the low bid pending verification of taxes included. Councilmember Floyd seconded. Motion carried unanimously.

Whitman Co. should be here by the end of next week to finish Fairview. Public Works needs to repair some of the manholes first.

POLICE REPORT : Submitted the police log. Chief spoke with Atty. Bishop in regards to ongoing issues of restricting access from people who have violated rules and laws at the city park. He has found some city ordinances that are in place that would permit us to do this a little more easily than the direction we’ve been going. We need to establish some park rules. … no vandalism, no unauthorized use of alcohol, no lewd conduct, no drug use, attempts to sell, etc. Failure to abide by the rules established by council, can result in removal and/or restriction from the park. As long as people have an avenue to state their case as to why they shouldn’t be barred or restricted, we’re within our rights.

Chief Neumann stated that the overall point of the speed limit radar travel is safety. The speeds on the radar trailer aren’t just randomly chosen. We chose the 20mph speed because it was during the Hot Rod show with a large volume of traffic and pedestrians. Councilmember Zehm’s findings are based on a permanent basis. Chief was not doing a study or trying to change the speed limit; just trying to slow people down for the event. In the future, if we want to temporarily change the speed for events, we will go through the state.

Chief Neumann handed out a 2 page email that was sent by Zehm to a few councilmembers regarding an ongoing case. Everything the PD has done in handling this particular case has been above board. If they want to sue me, there are proper ways to do that. Chief stated he would rather be accused of something in front of council and the public rather than behind doors. Chief handed out the city’s official complaint form and asked that if anyone has a complaint, they use the proper avenues. Chief Neumann stated that the way Councilmember Zehm handled this was wrong.

Parks, Cemetery, & Buildings-Randy Zehm, chair : Suggests adding to the VisitPalouse website a ‘City Park’ tab for policies on use, no-reservations, etc. Councilmember Wekenman asked if vendors for events get charged any kind of city fee. Clerk Beeson explained that would be an “impact fee” which at this time the city does not charge.

Finance, Property, & Equipment-Mike Milano, Chair : The PD, PW, and city staff have done a great job in reducing expenses. We will have more budget meetings to talk about finances.

MAYOR’S REPORT :
The city received 7 public records requests this week from two individuals.

The Dept. of Health received a formal complaint against the City of Palouse from Jim Farr.

Council agreed to set August 20th as the closing day of the pool.

Joyce worked up a preliminary budget amendment for the IPG. There is $48,000 more now available through a second grant.

The Planning Commission still needs two members.

ALLOW PAYMENT OF BILLS: Councilmember Snook MOVED that the bills against the city be allowed. Councilmember Wekenman seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURN: Councilmember Milano MOVED to adjourn. Councilmember Snook seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council meeting adjourned at 9:17 PM.